When planning this ride I set out to find the quieter lanes closer to home rather than seeing how far from home we could get for lunch. Whilst doing so I noticed many roads I hadn't ridden and others where I had only ridden in one direction. So a sinuous route was devised that had lunch only seven miles from Leatherhead - but only for crows!
Twelve of us set off east from Leatherhead, up Headley Road, past Headley Court, and right along Slough Lane to reach the top of Lodge Bottom Road. I have cycled up this road many times but this was the first time I had been down. And what a delight it is. At the bottom in Mickleham it was pointed out to me that we had taken half an hour to get only two miles from the start but I knew that already!
Next we went through Westhumble along Chapel Lane and then left up Ranmore Common Road. At the top of the hill we met Tim and the B Group and despite the inter-mingling during the the breather nobody took the opportunity to switch groups. Another long down hill led us to the centre of Dorking to remind us why we don't like busy roads.
Leaving the High Street via Cotmandene, and a short length of the A24, we turned into Blackbrook Road but soon turned left to head north on Punchbowl Lane. As we cycled along Tilehurst Lane the first heavy shower of the day arrived - some stopped for waterproofs while others pushed on over Root Hill hoping for the best. After regrouping at the left turn onto Brockhamhurst Road a loop around past Strood Green, Wellhouse Road and Tapner's Road brought us to The Plough at Leigh.
After ordering food and arranging re-hydration we rather hopefully sat outside around open tables. However a sudden shower left us rushing for other seats under the giant umbrellas. The food arrived promptly for most but there was no hurry to leave as we didn't have far to get home.
Quiet lanes like Gadbrook Road and Wheelers Lane brought us to Brockham where Jeff was last seen heading off-road while the rest of us took Old School Lane, Tilehurst Lane and Punchbowl Lane to avoid the A25.
One last hill was planned but some decided they had more pressing appointments. So a more select group was left to re-visit Chapel Lane, this time going straight on past the entrance to Polesden Lacey and down to Bookham.
Lower Road, the centre of Leatherhead and a quick blast down the A24 brought us to Bike Beans in time to see the last 48km of the Tour de France. Tea, coffee, cake and TdF biscuits were consumed but we thoughtfully left some for the B Group who turned up with tales of epic derring-do. Only 37 miles of roads for us.
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